BREAKING: Johnny Nelson Warns Oleksandr Usyk Not to Fight Rematch 3 Against Tyson Fury… Imminent Danger!

At 6:43 PM +07 on Thursday, August 7, 2025, a seismic warning echoed through the boxing world as Johnny Nelson, the former WBO cruiserweight champion turned pundit, issued a stark caution to Oleksandr Usyk regarding a potential third fight with Tyson Fury. The alert comes amid escalating tensions following Usyk’s razor-thin split-decision victory over Fury in their May 18, 2025, rematch, which solidified his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion. Nelson’s intervention, aired live on Sky Sports, has ignited debates about safety and strategy, casting a shadow over what many anticipated as the trilogy’s climax.

Nelson’s Dire Warning

During a heated segment on Sky Sports’ Boxing Central at 6:15 PM +07, Nelson, a respected voice with a 45-12-2 record, urged Usyk to reconsider. “Oleksandr, listen to me—this third fight with Fury is a danger zone,” Nelson said, his tone grave. “Tyson’s size and power are wearing you down, and I fear for your health if you step in again.” He pointed to visible signs of strain in Usyk’s performance during the May bout, where the Ukrainian landed 214 punches to Fury’s 178 but absorbed significant body shots that left him wincing in the later rounds.

Nelson’s concern stems from Fury’s physical edge—6’9” and 277 pounds compared to Usyk’s 6’3” and 223 pounds—exacerbated by the Briton’s relentless aggression in their second encounter. “This isn’t just about losing a fight; it’s about not walking away from it,” Nelson added, hinting at the risk of long-term injury for the 38-year-old champion.

The Backdrop of the Rivalry

The Usyk-Fury saga has captivated fans since their first meeting on May 18, 2024, where Usyk claimed the undisputed heavyweight titles via split decision. The rematch, mandated by contract, saw Fury push harder, nearly stopping Usyk in the ninth round before the Ukrainian’s resilience secured a 115-112, 113-114, 114-113 verdict. A third fight, tentatively slated for December 2025 in Saudi Arabia, was quietly negotiated, with Fury’s promoter Frank Warren confirming talks on August 5.

Usyk, with a pristine 23-0 record, has defied odds against larger opponents, but the toll is evident. Post-fight medical reports noted bruising and a minor orbital fracture, fueling Nelson’s fears. Fury, 37, with a 34-1-1 record, remains eager, tweeting earlier today, “Rematch 3 is on—Usyk can’t run forever!”

Reactions and Analysis

The boxing community is divided. On X, #UsykFury3 trended as fans debated Nelson’s warning. Supporter Oleksandr Krassyuk, Usyk’s promoter, countered, “Oleksandr is a warrior. He’ll decide, not pundits.” Conversely, trainer Ben Davison, who works with Fury, dismissed the concern, saying, “Johnny’s overreacting—Fury’s ready to finish it.”

Medical experts weighed in, with Dr. Margaret Goodman, a ringside physician, telling ESPN, “Cumulative damage is real. Usyk’s taken heavy shots; a third fight could push boundaries.” The sentiment aligns with Nelson’s call, though some argue Usyk’s technical mastery could mitigate risks.

Imminent Danger or Strategic Pause?

Nelson’s warning arrives as Usyk recovers in Kyiv, where he’s been training amid Ukraine’s ongoing conflict. His camp has yet to respond officially, but the champion’s history of facing adversity suggests he may ignore the advice. Fury, meanwhile, is in camp, intensifying speculation of an announcement by month’s end.

The “imminent danger” label could pressure regulators like the WBC and WBO to intervene, potentially delaying or altering the fight’s terms. For now, Nelson’s plea stands as a rare public intervention, blending concern with the sport’s brutal reality. Will Usyk heed the warning, or will the trilogy proceed, risking more than just a title?